The fastest route to an Irish IBAN
- Open Revolut or N26 today — no address proof needed, IBAN in minutes
- Open An Post Money at any post office — easiest full Irish account, no address proof needed
- Get your PPS number at Intreo once you have your IRP
- Register with Revenue — your tax credit letter becomes proof of address
- Open a full current account at AIB or Bank of Ireland once you have PPS + address proof
Irish banks are required by anti-money laundering law to verify the identity and address of every customer. This makes opening an account more document-intensive than in many other countries. The two most common barriers are: no proof of Irish address (because utility bills are in a landlord's name or you have just arrived) and no PPS number yet.
Both are solvable. The key is knowing which account to open first and what the realistic sequence of steps looks like. This guide covers every option — from the major banks to digital alternatives — with honest assessments of what works and what does not.
Banks that accept non-EU customers
AIB, Bank of Ireland, An Post Money, Permanent TSB — honest comparison
N26 and Revolut
Digital banks — open in minutes, no address proof, full IBAN
Credit unions
More accessible than commercial banks — how they work and who can join
Switching banks
The Central Bank Switching Code — how to move accounts in 10 days
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